Tongans

As Only

Know

I first learned that Pacific Pub lications was to produce a book called The Tongans when I was on a small aircraft from Nukualofa to Vavau during my

last trip to Tonga.

By coincidence Josef Vissel and Olaf Ruhen were on that plane and I heard it from them.

Naturally as a Tongan I looked forward to its publication. Dur ing those weeks in Tonga I often spotted these gentlemen busily going about their task, so when recently I was asked by PIM to review The Tongans I felt somewhat qualified for the

job.

Josef Vissel has captured on film authentic, everday life styles of the Tongans. Each photo reflects the Tonga I know and which the tourist observes, unlike the commer cial travel brochures people tend to suspect. Except for the photographs of the King and the Haapai wedding, any visi tor or resident could expect to film similar scenes without dif

ficulty. I see myself in every photo, both as a child and as an adult, enjoying the carefree life only a Tongan under stanc*s* The church plays an import ant role in the life of every Tongan and there did appear

to be a shortage in this depart ment. However, this does not detract from Vissel’s excellent

photographic work.

Olaf Ruhen’s text is easily read and understood. He has recorded with accuracy the actions of the Tongans, and I am amazed at this papalangi’s knowledge. It shows a great love and understanding of my people. His explanation of the Tui Tongas is sufficient to give the stranger some background to this part of our history, as, too, is his coverage of the chap ters on food, dress, housing and arts and crafts. Ruhen’s intimate knowledge of the Tongans has given him legend ary status over the years of his

writings. Nobody else could

have got so much information into this format.

The Tongans is a ‘must’ for anyone who has lived in, or visited Tonga. It’s a book to supplement the tourist’s own record of his trip. This book would also be a good teaching aid in any school.

To sum up; An excellent ad dition to the library of anybody who loves or wishes to visit the

Tongans

Fatal Moungaafi

Slender.

(The Tongans. Photos Josef Vissel, text Olaf Ruhen. Published by Pacific Publi cations, Sydney. SA9.)

The great sheets of tapa cloth, or ngatu as Tongans know it, constitute the wealth of Tongan families.

This poor chap will finish up gracing the table at a Tonqan

wedding feast.